Life Cycle Human Exposure and Risk Assessment of Pesticide Application on Agricultural Products in Colombia

In this project we examined the various exposure pathways of pesticide application, over the whole life cycle of a variety of agricultural products grown in Colombia. In particular, we looked at bananas, flowers, potatoes and sugar cane. These crops cover a wide range of uses, from food to decoration to biofuels. They can be consumed locally, like potatoes, or exported in large quantities to industrialized countries, such as coffee, bananas, and flowers. In order to quantify exposure, thorough experimental analysis was conducted at selected field sites and existing exposure models were adapted and applied to Colombian conditions. Human intake of pesticides by inhalation, ingestion and dermal exposure was quantified throughout the life cycle of each agricultural product, thus allowing for the identification of "hot spots" and for identifying measures to mitigate exposure. In addition to practical decision support concerning the most relevant sources and exposure pathways and their mitigation, this study contributes to capacity building in Colombia. All research was conducted in close collaboration between the complementary Colombian and Swiss partners, and the results were disseminated widely among various stakeholder groups.